Africa-Press – Kenya. KCB’s Juliana Namutira and Edith Wisa in action against Kenya Pipeline in a past match at Nyayo Stadium/ CHARLENE MALWA
Defending champions KCB Women and General Service Unit (GSU) have vowed to defend their titles when the second edition of the Kenya Cup volleyball championship tips off in mid-January at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
The Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) have confirmed the tournament will run from January 15-18, with both the men’s and women’s categories competing in the four-day event.
KVF fixtures secretary, John Oronje, said the dates and venue were settled early to give clubs adequate time to prepare as the competition runs alongside the national league. “We want teams to plan properly and treat the Kenya Cup as a key part of the season,” Oronje said.
“Kasarani offers the right environment for high-level volleyball, and we expect quality matches from the opening day.”
The federation also announced that the draw will be conducted on Saturday at the KCB Sports Club, with fixtures set to be released immediately after.
Oronje noted that the draw would set the tone for what is expected to be a competitive second edition.
“Once the lots are drawn, teams will know their path and can fine-tune their preparations,” he said. “Stakeholders should take note of the timelines.”
Kenya Cup has quickly become an important addition to the local volleyball calendar, as it was introduced to deepen competition.
It was designed to complement the national league, give clubs more competitive fixtures and exposure and strengthen talent development as Kenyan teams prepare for regional and continental assignments, including the African Club Championship.
The inaugural edition, launched in January 2025 and concluded in July 2025, featured 17 teams across both genders. Most matches were staged at the Kasarani Indoor Arena and Nyayo National Stadium, with the finals held at Kasarani.
KCB Women announced their arrival as a major force by sweeping aside regular-season champions Kenya Pipeline 3-0 (25-16, 25-19 and 25-22) in the final.
In the men’s final, GSU staged a dramatic comeback to edge Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) 3-2 after recovering from two sets down.
Individual brilliance stood out during the maiden tournament, with GSU’s Simon Kipkorir named Men’s Most Valuable Player and KCB’s Terry Tata taking the Women’s MVP award. For GSU, the Kenya Cup triumph capped a memorable campaign, completing a domestic double to go with their record-extending 16th league title.
With the venue, draw date and competition window now confirmed, anticipation is building as champions seek to defend their titles and challengers eye a statement run when the Kenya Cup returns to Kasarani in January.
